US20120031772A1 - Hydrogen generation - Google Patents
Hydrogen generation Download PDFInfo
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- US20120031772A1 US20120031772A1 US13/204,672 US201113204672A US2012031772A1 US 20120031772 A1 US20120031772 A1 US 20120031772A1 US 201113204672 A US201113204672 A US 201113204672A US 2012031772 A1 US2012031772 A1 US 2012031772A1
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- hydrogen generator
- water
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- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 133
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 133
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 127
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 65
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 239000005518 polymer electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 229920000295 expanded polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 27
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002322 conducting polymer Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001940 conductive polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000003460 sulfonic acids Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007784 solid electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 85
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 23
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 10
- 150000002431 hydrogen Chemical class 0.000 description 7
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 3
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- KDLHZDBZIXYQEI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Palladium Chemical compound [Pd] KDLHZDBZIXYQEI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003054 catalyst Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002803 fossil fuel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000544 Gore-Tex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000009620 Haber process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000557 Nafion® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004517 catalytic hydrocracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003518 caustics Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000000170 cell membrane Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229920002301 cellulose acetate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000002939 deleterious effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 1
- HTXDPTMKBJXEOW-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxoiridium Chemical compound O=[Ir]=O HTXDPTMKBJXEOW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003411 electrode reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005370 electroosmosis Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910000457 iridium oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000693 micelle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009972 noncorrosive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052763 palladium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000010287 polarization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000746 purification Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000741 silica gel Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002918 waste heat Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
- C25B1/01—Products
- C25B1/02—Hydrogen or oxygen
- C25B1/04—Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
- C25B9/17—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof
- C25B9/19—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms
- C25B9/23—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms comprising ion-exchange membranes in or on which electrode material is embedded
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
- C25B9/70—Assemblies comprising two or more cells
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
- C25B9/70—Assemblies comprising two or more cells
- C25B9/73—Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
Definitions
- This invention concerns the electrolysis of water to form hydrogen.
- Hydrogen is used in large quantities in oil refining, for example in the breaking down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones in the process known as hydrocracking. It is also used in manufacture of ammonia by the Haber process. Such hydrogen is usually sourced from the reaction of a fossil fuel, typically coal or methane, with water.
- Hydrogen is also required as a chemical intermediate in various synthetic processes. In semiconductor manufacture it is occasionally required in an ultrapure state. It is used as a specialist fuel source, for example in the operation of flame ionisation detectors. Hydrogen is also widely recognised as a clean alternative to fossil fuels.
- the sole product of its combustion in air is water, and water is a readily available source of hydrogen.
- the minimum cell potential required to electrolyse the water is 1.229 V.
- a cell operating at this potential is said to have a cell efficiency of 100%, and since the hydrogen is produced at the rate of one molecule per two electrons passed through the cell, this corresponds to producing hydrogen at a rate of 33 kW.hr per kilogram hydrogen. Any inefficiency in hydrogen production is manifest as waste heat.
- alkaline electrolytes are typically liquids, which afford a particular risk of gas migration between the anode and cathode, and often carry a hazard associated with their being highly caustic.
- Efficiencies of at least 60% can be achieved by acid electrolysis using proton conducting polymer electrolytes in sheet form, such as perfluorinated sulfonic acid polymer known under the trade name Nafion 114 of Dupont Chemicals.
- the electrolyte contains an open network of channels and inverted micelles though which water is freely transported and along whose walls protons readily move under an electric field.
- There exists substantial art in supporting on or just within both polymer electrolyte faces a layer of particles of a metal or metal oxide catalyst often mixed with graphite to form what is referred to hereinafter as a membrane electrode assembly.
- the surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly are caused to be electrically conductive and conducive to the production and evolution of oxygen and hydrogen at an anode and cathode respectively formed thereby.
- the anode contains as one surface ingredient iridium oxide
- the cathode contains as one surface ingredient platinum.
- Water, removed from the electrolyte by electrolysis and evaporation into the produced hydrogen and oxygen, can be simply replaced by contact of liquid water with the electrolyte. Under electrolysis, liquid water is deposited at the cathode side, despite the consumption of water at the anode, in a process known as electro-osmosis.
- a particular advantage of the use of a membrane electrolyte assembly in electrolysis of water is in the physical separation of produced hydrogen and oxygen. Any admixture of the two gases in the vicinity of the cathode or anode substantially reduces the cell efficiency, because hydrogen at an anode is more readily oxidised to protons than water to oxygen, and oxygen at a cathode is more readily reduced to water than protons to hydrogen. Moreover, mixtures of pure hydrogen and oxygen, particularly in the ratio of 2:1 in which they are formed by electrolysis, can be explosive. This is a particular concern where it is intended to use the hydrogen in an explosive atmosphere, such as in its being a source for a flame to operate a flame ionisation detector in the detection of gases which may cause an explosion.
- Water itself is also known as a catalyst for hydrogen ignition and therefore it is desirable to dry hydrogen from the cathode before admixing it with oxygen.
- a hydrogen generator it is often convenient for the means of conveyance of hydrogen to be restricted, such as to assure its pressure is controlled during mixing with other gases.
- the means of conveyance of hydrogen by way of example, a capillary, may also be restrictive, but engaged downstream of the hydrogen generator with a view to minimising the volume of hydrogen contained within the means of conveyance, such as to ensure a rapid response of a flow of hydrogen delivered remote from the water electrolyser to a change in the electrolyser cell current which regulates hydrogen production.
- Water-free hydrogen may be desirable in other applications too, for example in its use as a feedstock for ultrapure hydrogen purification through a palladium membrane that may be degraded by the presence of water.
- the hydrogen stream is dried using a desiccant such as silica gel.
- WO 01/19728 The Robert Gordon University, describes the use of a cellulose acetate membrane to separate hydrogen from entrained water.
- Embodiments of the present invention enable electrochemically produced hydrogen to be dried not only more efficiently, but also so as to eliminate the need for condensate removal.
- Embodiments of the present invention confer an increased efficiency on a hydrogen electrolyser, and afford a diagnostic for monitoring the dryness of hydrogen produced by the water generator.
- a hydrogen generator which includes a cascade of at least two electrolytic cells, each comprising a membrane electrode assembly incorporating a solid polymer electrolyte polarized so as to generate hydrogen from water at a cathode and oxygen at an anode, in which the membrane electrode of a first cell is at least partially exposed on one or both sides to a supply of liquid water and the hydrogen produced in this cell contacts the cathode surfaces of the or each successive electrolytic cell, wherein any water entrained in or carried over with the hydrogen produced in the first cell is the only significant feedstock for the or each successive electrolytic cell.
- a method of generating dry hydrogen by electrolysis of water in a cascade of at least two electrolytic cells each cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly incorporating a solid polymer electrolyte polarized so as to generate hydrogen from water at a cathode and oxygen at an anode, in which the membrane electrode of a first cell is at least partially exposed on one or both sides to a supply of liquid water and the hydrogen produced in this cell contacts the cathode surfaces of the or each successive electrolytic cell, wherein any water entrained in or carried over with the hydrogen produced in the first cell is the only significant feedstock for the or each successive electrolytic cell.
- the invention provides a device to generate dry hydrogen which includes at least two water electrolyzing cells, each comprising a membrane electrode assembly incorporating a solid polymer electrolyte, polarized so as to generate hydrogen at a cathode and oxygen at an anode, in which the first cell membrane is at least partially exposed on one or both sides to a supply of liquid water, the hydrogen produced in this cell being caused by wall members to flow over the cathode surfaces of one or more successive water electrolyzing cells deprived of water except as is carried over in the produced hydrogen stream from one cell to the next, so as to cause hydrogen exiting the final such cell to be sufficiently dry for some subsequent use.
- the first and second cells share a common chamber enclosing the respective electrodes. Electrode surfaces of the same polarity face each other. In order to reduce the quantity of water being carried from the first to the second cell, the common chamber incorporates a semi-porous membrane between the respective cathodes.
- a space abutting the cathode of the first cell may incorporate a semi-porous membrane adjacent to said cathode and communicating with a space abutting the cathode of the second cell.
- the inner enclosure is essentially tubular.
- a space adjacent to the cathode of the first cell may contain loose, porous, hydrophobic material, for example in the form of powder, regular or irregular particles, flakes, spheres or pellets.
- the semi-porous membrane is hydrophobic.
- a particularly advantageous hydrophobic material for the semi-porous membrane or the loose pellets is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
- electrical contact is made with the membrane electrode assembly by means of at least one electrically conducting mesh which overlies the electrode surfaces in electrical contact therewith.
- a relatively fine mesh directly overlies the electrode surfaces and a second, relatively coarse mesh overlies the fine mesh.
- Relatively fine or relatively coarse refers to the pitch of the respective meshes relative to each other.
- Means are provided to urge the relatively stiff coarse mesh against the fine mesh, resulting in the fine mesh making intimate contact with the membrane electrode assembly, in order to disperse a relatively uniform force between the mesh and the membrane electrode assembly.
- the invention provides a device to generate dry oxygen, wherein the oxygen generated at the anode of a wetted cell is similarly caused to flow over increasingly dry anode surfaces.
- the water-wetted electrolysis cell is referred to as the primary cell, the evolved gas being introduced into a secondary cell, and from thence to a tertiary cell, and so on.
- all cells provided according to the present invention may be electrically operated so as to deliver a controllable total operating current by which means the flow of hydrogen produced may also be controlled.
- a fairly precise flow of hydrogen may be required for the stable maintenance of a hydrogen flame. That flow of hydrogen may need to be adjusted to ensure flame stability during different times of the flame's use, such as whenever it is ignited or when it is operating in particular ambient conditions of heat cold and such like.
- the cells may be caused to operate at the same cell potentials. It is typically deleterious for cells to be driven at cell potentials exceeding 3 V.
- a hydrogen generator as described above in which all the cells are operated at substantially the same cell potentials, which generator includes means for measuring the ratio of respective currents passing through the first and second cells.
- the cell potentials and the ratio of the respective currents passing through the first and second cells indicate the humidity of the hydrogen produced in the second cell and is also diagnostic of operation of the hydrogen generator.
- the invention relies upon a particular quality of acid polymer electrolytes in becoming increasingly water adsorbing as they become increasingly dry.
- the invention encompasses the drying of hydrogen from a state of complete humidification to hydrogen that may exit the hydrogen generator either partially dried or extremely dry.
- An alternative configuration of the hydrogen generator comprises an elongated membrane electrode assembly with the hydrogen passing along the cathode surface. Entrained water can be adsorbed as the hydrogen contacts the length of the electrode assembly. As indicated above, the hygroscopic properties of the acid polymer electrolyte can result in a concentration gradient of adsorbed water along the length of the electrode assembly. In effect, this configuration is functionally equivalent to a cascade of discrete electrolytic cells.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an embodiment of one aspect of the invention in which hydrogen is dried by a two cell configuration sharing a common gaseous chamber;
- FIG. 1 a shows an enlarged view of a membrane electrode assembly
- FIG. 2 shows a schematic of an embodiment of another aspect of the invention in which hydrogen is dried by a two cell configuration in tandem
- FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an embodiment of a further aspect of the invention in which hydrogen is dried by a two cell configuration sharing a common gaseous chamber and the first cell is associated with a tubular membrane
- FIG. 1 a primary cell comprising membrane electrode assembly and supporting current collecting members, 1 , in contact with water 2 is depicted in detail in FIG. 1 a.
- the membrane electrode assembly comprises a solid polymer electrolyte 2 a, and integral anodic coating 2 b conducive to oxygen generation, and integral cathodic coating 2 c conducive to hydrogen generation.
- Overlaying 2 b and 2 c are fine electrically conducting meshes 3 and 4 respectively.
- Overlaying meshes 3 and 4 are more robust and rigid electrically conducting screens 5 and 6 , to which are welded non-corrosive contact wires annotated ‘+’ and ‘ ⁇ ’ in FIG. 1 a, corresponding, for example, to leads 7 and 8 respectively in FIG. 1 .
- meshes 3 and 4 and screens 5 and 6 are substantially made of titanium.
- FIG. 1 the whole assembly 1 is held in place by virtue of o-rings 9 , which provide a gas tight seal between the membrane electrode assembly and cell support members, and by o-ring 10 , which imparts a force upon rigid support screens 5 and 6 , by which means electrical resistances between all members of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 a are kept low.
- o-rings 9 which provide a gas tight seal between the membrane electrode assembly and cell support members
- o-ring 10 which imparts a force upon rigid support screens 5 and 6 , by which means electrical resistances between all members of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 a are kept low.
- Hydrogen passing though the membrane 14 enters secondary cell gaseous chamber 16 , where it is dried by contact with the cathodic side of the secondary electrolysis cell 17 which is of similar construction to primary cell 1 , noting that the hydrogen generating, cathodic side of the cell 17 faces cathodic side of cell 1 , the electrical lead 18 is positively polarized relative to the secondary cell electrical lead 19 , and the components of cell 17 are as shown in FIG. 1 a but oppositely oriented.
- Dried hydrogen exits enclosure 16 at gas exit port 20 .
- Further ports 21 and 22 enable venting of oxygen from oxygen enclosures 12 and 23 respectively. The whole assembly is held in place by nuts such as 24 and threaded sections such as 25 .
- FIG. 2 a different construction is shown which illustrates a similar aspect of the invention using components of largely the same principles as in FIG. 1 but with the two cells in tandem.
- the representation also shows inlet and outlet secondary oxygen enclosure ports 22 a and 22 b respectively enabling gas exiting primary oxygen enclosure 12 through port 21 to be dried. (For clarity, the connection between ports 21 and 22 a has been omitted.)
- FIG. 3 a construction provided by the invention is shown schematically in which oxygen generated at the primary and secondary cells 1 and 17 enters a common chamber 26 , exiting at gas port 27 .
- the hydrogen generated in enclosure 11 is separated from water 2 also present in the enclosure by diffusion through the walls of a tube 28 made from a hydrophobic material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) supplied by Zeus or Gortex.
- ePTFE expanded polytetrafluoroethylene
- Tube 28 is closed at one end and connected to a hydrogen exit 30 at the other.
- This moist hydrogen is then conveyed via gas entry port 31 to enclosure 32 also containing hydrogen generated at the secondary cell 17 .
- the combined hydrogen now substantially dry due to the consumption of water by cell 17 , exits enclosure 32 at port 33 .
- beads 29 of expanded PTFE (ePTFE) or a similarly hydrophobic semi-porous material may be used to reduce this increase of pressure caused by bubble formation, as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the presence of beads on which gas bubbles have coalesced provides contiguous gas paths between the hydrogen-forming electrode surface and the semi-porous membrane through which hydrogen moves, which also leads to a decrease in the pressure increase caused in the hydrogen enclosure 11 .
- a typical pellet size might be 2 mm, approximately spherical.
- a supply of de-ionised water which could by way of example be a collapsible bag under constraint, admits water into watery gaseous chamber 11 via port 13 .
- displaced hydrogen exits through semi-porous membrane 14 into gaseous enclosure 16 and then exits through gas port 20 .
- displaced hydrogen exits through the walls of tube 28 and port 30 .
- Electrical circuitry causes a current of I 1 amps to flow through the cell from lead 8 to lead 7 .
- a flow through the primary cell is around 1 A per square centimeter, achieved by applying a typical maximum voltage to lead 7 of +3 V relative to lead 8 .
- the primary cell provides a flow of hydrogen F 1 , which is typically the major fraction of hydrogen demanded by a device engaging the invention.
- the primary cell provided by the invention is sized accordingly.
- moist hydrogen generated in enclosure 11 is caused by pressure differential induced by its generation to move through the membrane 14 into enclosure 16 where it is exposed to the cathode of secondary cell 17 .
- displaced hydrogen exits through the walls of tube 28 and port 30 , which is connected by a means of conveyance, such as a PTFE tubing, to gas entry port 31 into enclosure 32 where it is exposed to the cathode of secondary cell 17 .
- Electric circuitry causes an electric potential, typically not exceeding +3 V, to be applied to lead 18 relative to lead 19 .
- This causes a flow of current, I 2 , arising from the electrolysis of water which has at least in part been adsorbed from the hydrogen gas stream by the electrolytic membrane in the secondary cell.
- the current I 2 is typically some 2-10% of the current I 1 generated in the primary cell.
- the exact ratio of currents I 2 :I 1 provides a useful diagnostic indication of the humidity of hydrogen presented to the secondary cell. If, for example, the hydrogen flowing from the secondary cell enclosure becomes wet due to a breach in the membrane between the primary and secondary cells, then I 2 :I 1 will be higher than when, for example, the gas presented to the second cell is merely moist.
- the invention not only provides for the drying of an electrolytically generated hydrogen stream, but for the complete removal of the water, for its gainful use as feedstock to deliver more hydrogen, and for a diagnostic of correct or normal operation of the gas generator.
- the present invention provides for dry hydrogen generation which is reliable, requires no waste water disposal, which is electrically efficient, and which can be monitored.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
A hydrogen generator includes at least two electrolytic cells, each comprising a membrane electrode assembly incorporating a solid polymer electrolyte. The membrane electrode of a first cell is exposed to water and the hydrogen produced in this cell contacts the cathode surfaces of the successive electrolytic cells, wherein any water entrained in or carried over with the hydrogen produced in the first cell is the only significant feedstock for the successive electrolytic cells.
In some embodiments, the first and second cells share a common chamber enclosing the respective electrodes. Hydrogen generated by the first cell diffuses into an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tube adjacent to the cathode. The tube discharges into a space abutting the cathode of the second cell.
Description
- This application draws priority from the following U.K. Patent Applications: (i) GB 1013368.4 filed on 9 Aug. 2010 and (ii) GB 1019831.5 filed on 23 Nov. 2010.
- This invention concerns the electrolysis of water to form hydrogen.
- Hydrogen is used in large quantities in oil refining, for example in the breaking down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones in the process known as hydrocracking. It is also used in manufacture of ammonia by the Haber process. Such hydrogen is usually sourced from the reaction of a fossil fuel, typically coal or methane, with water.
- Hydrogen is also required as a chemical intermediate in various synthetic processes. In semiconductor manufacture it is occasionally required in an ultrapure state. It is used as a specialist fuel source, for example in the operation of flame ionisation detectors. Hydrogen is also widely recognised as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. The sole product of its combustion in air is water, and water is a readily available source of hydrogen.
- A few per cent of the hydrogen used worldwide is produced by water electrolysis. The process requires the application of a positive electric potential to one electrode, known as an anode, relative to another electrode, known as the cathode, in between which is either an acid or alkaline electrolyte. This applied potential is known hereinafter for convenience as the cell potential. In acid electrolyte, the electrode reactions are:
- H2O=>2H++½ O2+2e at the anode, and
- 2H++2e=>H2 at the cathode.
- The minimum cell potential required to electrolyse the water is 1.229 V. A cell operating at this potential is said to have a cell efficiency of 100%, and since the hydrogen is produced at the rate of one molecule per two electrons passed through the cell, this corresponds to producing hydrogen at a rate of 33 kW.hr per kilogram hydrogen. Any inefficiency in hydrogen production is manifest as waste heat.
- Cell efficiencies of at least 80% have been reported for alkaline water electrolysis which is commonly used for large scale hydrogen production. However, according to the present art, alkaline electrolytes are typically liquids, which afford a particular risk of gas migration between the anode and cathode, and often carry a hazard associated with their being highly caustic.
- Efficiencies of at least 60% can be achieved by acid electrolysis using proton conducting polymer electrolytes in sheet form, such as perfluorinated sulfonic acid polymer known under the trade name Nafion 114 of Dupont Chemicals. The electrolyte contains an open network of channels and inverted micelles though which water is freely transported and along whose walls protons readily move under an electric field. There exists substantial art in supporting on or just within both polymer electrolyte faces a layer of particles of a metal or metal oxide catalyst often mixed with graphite to form what is referred to hereinafter as a membrane electrode assembly. In contact with suitable electric contacts and subjected to a sufficient electric potential, the surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly are caused to be electrically conductive and conducive to the production and evolution of oxygen and hydrogen at an anode and cathode respectively formed thereby. Typically, the anode contains as one surface ingredient iridium oxide, and the cathode contains as one surface ingredient platinum. Water, removed from the electrolyte by electrolysis and evaporation into the produced hydrogen and oxygen, can be simply replaced by contact of liquid water with the electrolyte. Under electrolysis, liquid water is deposited at the cathode side, despite the consumption of water at the anode, in a process known as electro-osmosis.
- A particular advantage of the use of a membrane electrolyte assembly in electrolysis of water is in the physical separation of produced hydrogen and oxygen. Any admixture of the two gases in the vicinity of the cathode or anode substantially reduces the cell efficiency, because hydrogen at an anode is more readily oxidised to protons than water to oxygen, and oxygen at a cathode is more readily reduced to water than protons to hydrogen. Moreover, mixtures of pure hydrogen and oxygen, particularly in the ratio of 2:1 in which they are formed by electrolysis, can be explosive. This is a particular concern where it is intended to use the hydrogen in an explosive atmosphere, such as in its being a source for a flame to operate a flame ionisation detector in the detection of gases which may cause an explosion.
- Water itself is also known as a catalyst for hydrogen ignition and therefore it is desirable to dry hydrogen from the cathode before admixing it with oxygen. Moreover, downstream of a hydrogen generator it is often convenient for the means of conveyance of hydrogen to be restricted, such as to assure its pressure is controlled during mixing with other gases. The means of conveyance of hydrogen, by way of example, a capillary, may also be restrictive, but engaged downstream of the hydrogen generator with a view to minimising the volume of hydrogen contained within the means of conveyance, such as to ensure a rapid response of a flow of hydrogen delivered remote from the water electrolyser to a change in the electrolyser cell current which regulates hydrogen production. These restrictions are all liable to blockage by water condensate, particularly in view of hydrogen exiting the cell being warm and therefore prospectively being inclined to condensation. For similar reasons, it may be desirable to dry electrochemically produced oxygen, particularly if the oxygen is to be premixed with hydrogen before its combustion in a flame ionisation detector, as can be desirable in testing gases where the oxygen content of the test gas is low, such as in testing smoke stack gas.
- Water-free hydrogen may be desirable in other applications too, for example in its use as a feedstock for ultrapure hydrogen purification through a palladium membrane that may be degraded by the presence of water.
- Conventionally, the hydrogen stream is dried using a desiccant such as silica gel.
- WO 01/19728, The Robert Gordon University, describes the use of a cellulose acetate membrane to separate hydrogen from entrained water.
- In U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,178, Amirov et al. describe the use of a Peltier in removal of water from electrolytically produced hydrogen for use in a flame ionisation detector. Whilst very effective, a Peltier requires considerable electrical power and therefore is a distinct disadvantage in a portable and battery operated tool. Further, the condensed water trapped by any means needs to be removed and is liable to migrate where it is not wanted when the Peltier cooler is turned off.
- Embodiments of the present invention enable electrochemically produced hydrogen to be dried not only more efficiently, but also so as to eliminate the need for condensate removal. Embodiments of the present invention confer an increased efficiency on a hydrogen electrolyser, and afford a diagnostic for monitoring the dryness of hydrogen produced by the water generator.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen generator which includes a cascade of at least two electrolytic cells, each comprising a membrane electrode assembly incorporating a solid polymer electrolyte polarized so as to generate hydrogen from water at a cathode and oxygen at an anode, in which the membrane electrode of a first cell is at least partially exposed on one or both sides to a supply of liquid water and the hydrogen produced in this cell contacts the cathode surfaces of the or each successive electrolytic cell, wherein any water entrained in or carried over with the hydrogen produced in the first cell is the only significant feedstock for the or each successive electrolytic cell.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating dry hydrogen by electrolysis of water in a cascade of at least two electrolytic cells, each cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly incorporating a solid polymer electrolyte polarized so as to generate hydrogen from water at a cathode and oxygen at an anode, in which the membrane electrode of a first cell is at least partially exposed on one or both sides to a supply of liquid water and the hydrogen produced in this cell contacts the cathode surfaces of the or each successive electrolytic cell, wherein any water entrained in or carried over with the hydrogen produced in the first cell is the only significant feedstock for the or each successive electrolytic cell.
- In one aspect, the invention provides a device to generate dry hydrogen which includes at least two water electrolyzing cells, each comprising a membrane electrode assembly incorporating a solid polymer electrolyte, polarized so as to generate hydrogen at a cathode and oxygen at an anode, in which the first cell membrane is at least partially exposed on one or both sides to a supply of liquid water, the hydrogen produced in this cell being caused by wall members to flow over the cathode surfaces of one or more successive water electrolyzing cells deprived of water except as is carried over in the produced hydrogen stream from one cell to the next, so as to cause hydrogen exiting the final such cell to be sufficiently dry for some subsequent use.
- In some embodiments, the first and second cells share a common chamber enclosing the respective electrodes. Electrode surfaces of the same polarity face each other. In order to reduce the quantity of water being carried from the first to the second cell, the common chamber incorporates a semi-porous membrane between the respective cathodes.
- Alternatively, a space abutting the cathode of the first cell may incorporate a semi-porous membrane adjacent to said cathode and communicating with a space abutting the cathode of the second cell. In a particularly advantageous configuration, the inner enclosure is essentially tubular.
- In order to reduce the amount of water entrained in the hydrogen exiting the first cell, a space adjacent to the cathode of the first cell may contain loose, porous, hydrophobic material, for example in the form of powder, regular or irregular particles, flakes, spheres or pellets.
- In some embodiments, the semi-porous membrane is hydrophobic. A particularly advantageous hydrophobic material for the semi-porous membrane or the loose pellets is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
- In some embodiments, electrical contact is made with the membrane electrode assembly by means of at least one electrically conducting mesh which overlies the electrode surfaces in electrical contact therewith. In particular, a relatively fine mesh directly overlies the electrode surfaces and a second, relatively coarse mesh overlies the fine mesh. Relatively fine or relatively coarse refers to the pitch of the respective meshes relative to each other. Means are provided to urge the relatively stiff coarse mesh against the fine mesh, resulting in the fine mesh making intimate contact with the membrane electrode assembly, in order to disperse a relatively uniform force between the mesh and the membrane electrode assembly.
- Additionally, the invention provides a device to generate dry oxygen, wherein the oxygen generated at the anode of a wetted cell is similarly caused to flow over increasingly dry anode surfaces.
- Hereinafter for convenience the water-wetted electrolysis cell is referred to as the primary cell, the evolved gas being introduced into a secondary cell, and from thence to a tertiary cell, and so on.
- In every embodiment of the invention, it is necessary for there to be some region of confinement of water in the primary cell in contact with its membrane electrode assembly. It is usually convenient for this contact to be made at the cathode. It is frequently an advantage to confine such water with a material such as porous PTFE which allows for the facile passage of gas, but prevents passage of water droplets from one location to another.
- It may be convenient for all cells provided according to the present invention to be electrically operated so as to deliver a controllable total operating current by which means the flow of hydrogen produced may also be controlled. By way of example, a fairly precise flow of hydrogen may be required for the stable maintenance of a hydrogen flame. That flow of hydrogen may need to be adjusted to ensure flame stability during different times of the flame's use, such as whenever it is ignited or when it is operating in particular ambient conditions of heat cold and such like. It is also frequently convenient for the cells to be caused to operate at the same cell potentials. It is typically deleterious for cells to be driven at cell potentials exceeding 3 V.
- According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen generator as described above in which all the cells are operated at substantially the same cell potentials, which generator includes means for measuring the ratio of respective currents passing through the first and second cells. The cell potentials and the ratio of the respective currents passing through the first and second cells indicate the humidity of the hydrogen produced in the second cell and is also diagnostic of operation of the hydrogen generator.
- It should be noted that the invention relies upon a particular quality of acid polymer electrolytes in becoming increasingly water adsorbing as they become increasingly dry. The invention encompasses the drying of hydrogen from a state of complete humidification to hydrogen that may exit the hydrogen generator either partially dried or extremely dry.
- An alternative configuration of the hydrogen generator comprises an elongated membrane electrode assembly with the hydrogen passing along the cathode surface. Entrained water can be adsorbed as the hydrogen contacts the length of the electrode assembly. As indicated above, the hygroscopic properties of the acid polymer electrolyte can result in a concentration gradient of adsorbed water along the length of the electrode assembly. In effect, this configuration is functionally equivalent to a cascade of discrete electrolytic cells.
- The invention will now be described by reference to the Figures wherein:—
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an embodiment of one aspect of the invention in which hydrogen is dried by a two cell configuration sharing a common gaseous chamber; -
FIG. 1 a shows an enlarged view of a membrane electrode assembly; -
FIG. 2 shows a schematic of an embodiment of another aspect of the invention in which hydrogen is dried by a two cell configuration in tandem; and -
FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an embodiment of a further aspect of the invention in which hydrogen is dried by a two cell configuration sharing a common gaseous chamber and the first cell is associated with a tubular membrane - In
FIG. 1 , a primary cell comprising membrane electrode assembly and supporting current collecting members, 1, in contact withwater 2 is depicted in detail inFIG. 1 a. The membrane electrode assembly comprises asolid polymer electrolyte 2 a, and integralanodic coating 2 b conducive to oxygen generation, and integralcathodic coating 2 c conducive to hydrogen generation. Overlaying 2 b and 2 c are fine electrically conductingmeshes screens FIG. 1 a, corresponding, for example, toleads FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, meshes 3 and 4 andscreens - Turning to
FIG. 1 , thewhole assembly 1 is held in place by virtue of o-rings 9, which provide a gas tight seal between the membrane electrode assembly and cell support members, and by o-ring 10, which imparts a force uponrigid support screens FIG. 1 a are kept low. - Electrical polarization of the assembly applied to
leads FIGS. 1 and 1 a causes hydrogen to be evolved in the waterygaseous enclosure 11 and oxygen in thegaseous enclosure 12. A presence ofwater 2 is maintained inenclosure 11 by means of awater entry port 13. A semi-porous membrane, 14, is held in place by o-rings such as 15. The membrane pore size is sufficient so as to enable hydrogen passage but insufficient to enable substantial water passage though the porous membrane. Hydrogen passing though themembrane 14 enters secondary cellgaseous chamber 16, where it is dried by contact with the cathodic side of thesecondary electrolysis cell 17 which is of similar construction toprimary cell 1, noting that the hydrogen generating, cathodic side of thecell 17 faces cathodic side ofcell 1, theelectrical lead 18 is positively polarized relative to the secondary cellelectrical lead 19, and the components ofcell 17 are as shown inFIG. 1 a but oppositely oriented. Dried hydrogen exitsenclosure 16 atgas exit port 20.Further ports oxygen enclosures - In
FIG. 2 , a different construction is shown which illustrates a similar aspect of the invention using components of largely the same principles as inFIG. 1 but with the two cells in tandem. The representation also shows inlet and outlet secondaryoxygen enclosure ports primary oxygen enclosure 12 throughport 21 to be dried. (For clarity, the connection betweenports - In
FIG. 3 , a construction provided by the invention is shown schematically in which oxygen generated at the primary andsecondary cells common chamber 26, exiting atgas port 27. The hydrogen generated inenclosure 11 is separated fromwater 2 also present in the enclosure by diffusion through the walls of atube 28 made from a hydrophobic material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) supplied by Zeus or Gortex. -
Tube 28 is closed at one end and connected to ahydrogen exit 30 at the other. This moist hydrogen is then conveyed viagas entry port 31 toenclosure 32 also containing hydrogen generated at thesecondary cell 17. The combined hydrogen, now substantially dry due to the consumption of water bycell 17, exitsenclosure 32 atport 33. - When a bubble of gas is formed in the
enclosure 11, the pressure is increased therein. It is an advantage to ameliorate this pressure increase as it is prone to oppose the supply of water to the chamber, and to force water through the semi-porous membrane material. In view of their tendency to coalesce bubbles of gas,beads 29 of expanded PTFE (ePTFE) or a similarly hydrophobic semi-porous material may be used to reduce this increase of pressure caused by bubble formation, as shown inFIG. 3 . In addition, the presence of beads on which gas bubbles have coalesced provides contiguous gas paths between the hydrogen-forming electrode surface and the semi-porous membrane through which hydrogen moves, which also leads to a decrease in the pressure increase caused in thehydrogen enclosure 11. A typical pellet size might be 2 mm, approximately spherical. - The invention will now be described by way of how it may be operated. Referring to
FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3, a supply of de-ionised water, which could by way of example be a collapsible bag under constraint, admits water into waterygaseous chamber 11 viaport 13. InFIGS. 1 and 2 , displaced hydrogen exits throughsemi-porous membrane 14 intogaseous enclosure 16 and then exits throughgas port 20. InFIG. 3 , displaced hydrogen exits through the walls oftube 28 andport 30. - Electrical circuitry, not illustrated, causes a current of I1 amps to flow through the cell from
lead 8 to lead 7. Typically, a flow through the primary cell is around 1 A per square centimeter, achieved by applying a typical maximum voltage to lead 7 of +3 V relative to lead 8. The primary cell provides a flow of hydrogen F1, which is typically the major fraction of hydrogen demanded by a device engaging the invention. The primary cell provided by the invention is sized accordingly. - In
FIGS. 1 and 2 , moist hydrogen generated inenclosure 11 is caused by pressure differential induced by its generation to move through themembrane 14 intoenclosure 16 where it is exposed to the cathode ofsecondary cell 17. InFIG. 3 , displaced hydrogen exits through the walls oftube 28 andport 30, which is connected by a means of conveyance, such as a PTFE tubing, togas entry port 31 intoenclosure 32 where it is exposed to the cathode ofsecondary cell 17. - Electric circuitry, not shown, causes an electric potential, typically not exceeding +3 V, to be applied to lead 18 relative to lead 19. This causes a flow of current, I2, arising from the electrolysis of water which has at least in part been adsorbed from the hydrogen gas stream by the electrolytic membrane in the secondary cell. The current I2 is typically some 2-10% of the current I1 generated in the primary cell. The exact ratio of currents I2:I1 provides a useful diagnostic indication of the humidity of hydrogen presented to the secondary cell. If, for example, the hydrogen flowing from the secondary cell enclosure becomes wet due to a breach in the membrane between the primary and secondary cells, then I2:I1 will be higher than when, for example, the gas presented to the second cell is merely moist. Correspondingly, if flow of hydrogen to the secondary cell is blocked, I2:I1 will decrease. It should be noted that during typical operation all the current I2 moving through the secondary cell will generate a flow of hydrogen F2 in addition to the flow of hydrogen F1 generated in the primary gas stream. Therefore, the electrical and electronic circuitry may be contrived to deliver a constant current supply to the several cells engaged according to the invention, as that total current will determine the total flow of hydrogen Ftotal generated by the invention.
-
Ftotal=0.127 Itotal - when flow is measured in mL/s at 1 bar and 20 degC and current in amps.
- Exactly a flow of Ftotal/2 of oxygen is concurrently generated by the several cells provided according to the present invention.
- Thus the invention not only provides for the drying of an electrolytically generated hydrogen stream, but for the complete removal of the water, for its gainful use as feedstock to deliver more hydrogen, and for a diagnostic of correct or normal operation of the gas generator. In such respects the present invention provides for dry hydrogen generation which is reliable, requires no waste water disposal, which is electrically efficient, and which can be monitored.
- Use of a tubular membrane, as exemplified by
FIG. 3 , has the further advantage that the hydrogen generator may be less orientation-dependent than existing electrolytic cells. - In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention.
- Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.
- It is to be appreciated that certain features of the invention which are, for clarity, described above and below in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.
Claims (20)
1. A hydrogen generator which includes a cascade of at least two electrolytic cells, each comprising a membrane electrode assembly incorporating a solid polymer electrolyte polarized so as to generate hydrogen from water at a cathode and oxygen at an anode, in which the membrane electrode of a first cell is at least partially exposed on one or both sides to a supply of liquid water and the hydrogen produced in this cell contacts the cathode surfaces of the or each successive electrolytic cell, wherein any water entrained in or carried over with the hydrogen produced in the first cell is the only significant feedstock for the or each successive electrolytic cell.
2. A hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second cells share a common chamber enclosing the respective electrodes and electrode surfaces of the same polarity face each other.
3. A hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 2 wherein the common chamber incorporates a semi-porous membrane between the respective cathodes.
4. A hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 3 wherein the semi-porous membrane is hydrophobic.
5. A hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 4 wherein the semi-porous membrane is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
6. A hydrogen generator which includes a cascade of at least two electrolytic cells, each comprising a membrane electrode assembly incorporating a solid polymer electrolyte polarized so as to generate hydrogen from water at a cathode and oxygen at an anode, in which the membrane electrode of a first cell is at least partially exposed on one or both sides to a supply of liquid water and the hydrogen produced in this cell contacts the cathode surfaces of the or each successive electrolytic cell, wherein any water entrained in or carried over with the hydrogen produced in the first cell is the only significant feedstock for the or each successive electrolytic cell; and wherein a space abutting the cathode of the first cell incorporates a semi-porous inner enclosure adjacent to said cathode and communicating with a space abutting the cathode of the second cell.
7. A hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 6 wherein the inner enclosure is essentially tubular.
8. A hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 6 wherein the semi-porous inner enclosure is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
9. A hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein a space adjacent to the cathode of the first cell contains loose, porous, hydrophobic material.
10. A hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the solid electrolyte is a proton conducting polymer.
11. A hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 10 wherein the electrolyte is a perfluorinated sulfonic acid polymer.
12. A hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein oxygen produced in the first cell contacts the anode surfaces of the or each successive electrolytic cell.
13. A hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 1 in which all the cells are operated at substantially the same cell potential, which generator includes a comparator for measuring the ratio of respective currents passing through the first and second cells.
14. A method of generating dry hydrogen by electrolysis of water in a cascade of at least two electrolytic cells, each cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly incorporating a solid polymer electrolyte polarized so as to generate hydrogen from water at a cathode and oxygen at an anode, in which the membrane electrode of a first cell is at least partially exposed on one or both sides to a supply of liquid water and the hydrogen produced in this cell contacts the cathode surfaces of the or each successive electrolytic cell, wherein any water entrained in or carried over with the hydrogen produced in the first cell is the only significant feedstock for the or each successive electrolytic cell.
15. A method of operating a hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 14 wherein the first and second cells share a common chamber enclosing the respective electrodes and electrode surfaces of the same polarity face each other.
16. A method of operating a hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 14 wherein a space abutting the cathode of the first cell incorporates a semi-porous inner enclosure adjacent to said cathode and communicating with a space abutting the cathode of the second cell.
17. A method of operating a hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 16 wherein the inner enclosure is essentially tubular.
18. A method of operating a hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 14 wherein a space adjacent to the cathode of the first cell contains loose, porous, hydrophobic material.
19. A method of operating a hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 14 wherein the ratio of the respective currents passing through the first and second cells indicates the humidity of the hydrogen produced in the second cell.
20. A method of operating a hydrogen generator as claimed in claim 14 wherein the ratio of the respective currents passing through the first and second cells is a diagnostic of operation of the hydrogen generator.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
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GBGB1013368.4A GB201013368D0 (en) | 2010-08-09 | 2010-08-09 | Hydrogen generation |
GB1013368.4 | 2010-08-09 | ||
GB1019831.5 | 2010-11-23 | ||
GB1019831.5A GB2482744B (en) | 2010-08-09 | 2010-11-23 | Hydrogen generation |
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US20120031772A1 true US20120031772A1 (en) | 2012-02-09 |
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US13/204,672 Abandoned US20120031772A1 (en) | 2010-08-09 | 2011-08-06 | Hydrogen generation |
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GB (2) | GB201013368D0 (en) |
Cited By (11)
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US20130284591A1 (en) * | 2010-12-20 | 2013-10-31 | Thibaud Delahaye | Hydrogen-producing cell comprising a cell of a high temperature steam electrolyzer |
US20150075997A1 (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2015-03-19 | U.S. Army Research Laboratory Attn: Rdrl-Loc-I | Power-free apparatus for hydrogen generation from alcohol |
US20150240368A1 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2015-08-27 | Industrie De Nora S.P.A. | Electrolysis cell of alkali solutions |
EP3428319A1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2019-01-16 | Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives | Water electrolysis electrochemical system comprising an electrode membrane assembly with electrolysis and separation sections |
JP2020045547A (en) * | 2018-09-21 | 2020-03-26 | 旭化成株式会社 | Method for manufacturing electrolytic tank |
CN111020618A (en) * | 2019-11-28 | 2020-04-17 | 北京中氢源工程科技有限公司 | Multifunctional hydrogen absorption machine |
US10886548B2 (en) | 2014-05-07 | 2021-01-05 | L3 Open Water Power, Inc. | Hydrogen management in electrochemical systems |
US11183705B2 (en) * | 2016-06-27 | 2021-11-23 | Westfaelische Hochschule Gelsenkirchen Bocholt Recklinghausen | Energy-converting fuel cell or electrolyzer |
CN115216796A (en) * | 2021-03-29 | 2022-10-21 | 本田技研工业株式会社 | Electrochemical hydrogen pump |
US11649551B2 (en) * | 2020-04-28 | 2023-05-16 | Korea Institute Of Science And Technology | Asymmetric electrolyte membrane, membrane electrode assembly comprising the same, water electrolysis apparatus comprising the same and method for manufacturing the same |
JP7543189B2 (en) | 2021-03-19 | 2024-09-02 | 出光興産株式会社 | Solid electrolyte electrolyzer |
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GB2504959B (en) * | 2012-08-14 | 2016-04-06 | Ion Science Ltd | Hydrogen generation |
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JP2006307290A (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2006-11-09 | Hitachi Ltd | Method for producing hydrogen |
CN201231079Y (en) * | 2008-07-28 | 2009-05-06 | 山东赛克赛斯氢能源有限公司 | Drying device of hydrogen generator |
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2010
- 2010-08-09 GB GBGB1013368.4A patent/GB201013368D0/en not_active Ceased
- 2010-11-23 GB GB1019831.5A patent/GB2482744B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-08-06 US US13/204,672 patent/US20120031772A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US4950371A (en) * | 1989-03-24 | 1990-08-21 | United Technologies Corporation | Electrochemical hydrogen separator system for zero gravity water electrolysis |
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US9297086B2 (en) * | 2010-12-20 | 2016-03-29 | Commissariat A L'energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives | Hydrogen-producing cell comprising a cell of a high temperature steam electrolyzer |
US20130284591A1 (en) * | 2010-12-20 | 2013-10-31 | Thibaud Delahaye | Hydrogen-producing cell comprising a cell of a high temperature steam electrolyzer |
US20150240368A1 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2015-08-27 | Industrie De Nora S.P.A. | Electrolysis cell of alkali solutions |
US10968526B2 (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2021-04-06 | Industrie De Nora S.P.A. | Electrolysis cell of alkali solutions |
US20150075997A1 (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2015-03-19 | U.S. Army Research Laboratory Attn: Rdrl-Loc-I | Power-free apparatus for hydrogen generation from alcohol |
US9127370B2 (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2015-09-08 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Power-free apparatus for hydrogen generation from alcohol |
US10886548B2 (en) | 2014-05-07 | 2021-01-05 | L3 Open Water Power, Inc. | Hydrogen management in electrochemical systems |
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US11649551B2 (en) * | 2020-04-28 | 2023-05-16 | Korea Institute Of Science And Technology | Asymmetric electrolyte membrane, membrane electrode assembly comprising the same, water electrolysis apparatus comprising the same and method for manufacturing the same |
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CN115216796A (en) * | 2021-03-29 | 2022-10-21 | 本田技研工业株式会社 | Electrochemical hydrogen pump |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB201019831D0 (en) | 2011-01-05 |
GB2482744A (en) | 2012-02-15 |
GB201013368D0 (en) | 2010-09-22 |
GB2482744B (en) | 2013-04-24 |
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